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FEZ AND WEJNIYSS^ 

EDITION. 



(B^41 



OF THE 

ACTING AMEKICAN THEATRE. 
THE PETITE COMEDY OF 

THE OLD MAID; 

WITH A PORTRAIT OP 

MRS. FRANCIS, 

IX THE CUARACTEE OF 

MISS HARLOW. 



The Plays carefully corrected from the Prompt books of the 
PHILADELPHIA THEATRE. 



By M.. Lopez, Prompter. 



PUBLISHED BY A. R. POOLE, PHILADELPHIA, 
M. MUIIDEN, NEW YORK, and P. THOMPSON, WASH- 
INGTON CITY* 

FOR THE PROPRIETORS. 

And to be had of all the principal booksellers in the 

UJ^ITED STA7ES, 

Price to Non-Subscribers, Fifty Cents. 



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PROPOSALS. 



:^ 



^; In presenting to the Public the first Number of the Act- 
"^i ing- American Theatre, the proprietors feel a pleasure in 
^. producing a specimen of American Work, which they trust 
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'3 ^^^^ want of a work, in which would be combined the ex- 

'^' cellence of the most perfect copy, v^ith the manner of its 

•^: exhibition on the Stage, a desideratum to the profession and 

^ an advantage to the public, induced the late Mr. Oxberry 

^: to commence his edition, tl\e usefulness of which has been 

2 sufficiently tested; had that work been peculiarly adapted to 

"5: this country, it would have been arrogance in us to have ^ 

■^i entered the lists, but it is not : — a comparison of the copy ^ 

•^' of Oxberry, with the representation on the Stage, will at "^ 

^ once show how necessarily the English plays have been -p" 

^: Americanized, it is our object to printthem as represented ^ 

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2 general satisfaction on this head. ;fe. 

"^1 It is intended to embellish each number with a charac- W 

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^ The portraits will as far as practicable be executed by Mr. .P" 

^: Neagle, and the engraving by Mr. Longacre, both Ameri- -^ 

^i cans ; possessing talents which rank them high in public jfe. 

'^. opinion. .W 

"^ Each piece will be faithfully printed from its respective £^ 

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"^i Every exertion will be made to obtain Original American :P 

^, Dramas, which will be printed as early as possible. '0r 

^. The superintendance of this Publication has been as- ip. 

^ signed to M. Lopez, Prompter of the Philadelphia and fe. 

"^- Baltimore Theatres. ^ 



wmt 



4 'sismmso I 

^ A Number v.ill be printed every two weeks, embellish- Ip" 
^: ed with a Portrait, in every way equal to the first Number .^ 
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Knf^-aved "by J.B.l^caigacre Iro-ni a. Fainting W J.lN eagle. 
J^onez and ll/emyss' Editi art. • 

Ir'iibli.-'hcd l.yA.rv.Poole rinladeJplna 1826. 
CcpL/rt'ijhl-sc'aaed nri-i>nh'n,j tojLuu'. 



LOPEZ % WEMYSS' 

EDITION. 



ACTIXG AMERICAN THEATRE. 

CONTAINING THE MOST 

POPULAR PLAYS, 

AS THET ARE PERFORMED AT THE 

PHILABELPHM THEATRE; 

Carefully corrected and published from the Prompt Books ; and 
accompanied with likenesses of 

DISTINGUISHED PERFORMERS, 

IN CHARACTERS, 

Engraved from Portraits executed for the Work, by- 
Eminent Artists. 



"By M., Lopez, Prompter, 

OF THE PHILADELPHIA AND BALTIMORE THEATRES- 



PUBLISHED BY A. R. POOLE, CHESNUT STREET, 

FOR THE PROPRIETORS, 

And to be had of all the principal booksellers in the U. S. 




£asteim District of Pennsylvania, to wit .' 

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the Third 
t day of April, in the Fiftieth year of the Inde- 
|; pendence of the United States of America, A. D. 
' 1826, Mathtas Lopez anh Francis C. AVkjitss 
^ of the said District, have deposited in this office 

the Title of a Book, the right whereof they claim as Propri- 
etors, in the words following-, to wit: "Lopez and Wemyss' 
Edition. Acting American Theatre, containing the most popu- 
lar Plays, as they are performed at the Philadelphia Theatre ; 
carefully corrected and published from the Prompt Books ; and 
accompanied with likenesses of distinguished Performers, in 
characters. Engraved from Portraits executed for the work, by 
eminent artists/' By M. Lopez, Prompter of the Philadelphia 
and Baltimore Theatres. 

In Conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, 
entitled, " An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by 
securing the Copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the Authors 
and Proprietors of such Copies, during the times therein men- 
tioned." And also to the Act, entitled, " An Act supplemen- 
tary to An Act, entitled, " An Act for the Encouragement of 
Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, 
to the Authors and Proprietors of such Copies during the times 
therein mentioned," and extending the Benefits thereof to the 
Arts, of designing, engraving, and etching histot-ical and other 

■Ppints," 

D. CALDWELL. 

Clerk of the Eastern Ifistrict of Pennsylvania. 



LOPE.Z AXI> "WEMY8S' 

EDITION. 



THE 

ACTING AMERICAN THEATRE. ' ^ 



THE OLD MAID, 

A COMEDY IN TWO ACTS, 

BY MR. MURPHY. 

WITH A porthait of 

MRS FRANCIS, 



AS 



MISS HARLOW. 



The Plays carefully corrected from the Prompt books of the 
PHILADELPHIA THEATRE. 



B^ ^l. Lopez, Prompter. 



PUBLISHED BY A. R. POOLE, CHESNUT STREET, 

FOR THE PROPRIETORS. 

And to be had of all the principal booksellers in the 

UJyiTED STATES. 

Price to non-subscribers. Fifty cents. 






vf. q 



Persons Tiepresented. 



Mr, Harlow 
jyfr. Clerimont 
Captain Cape 
Serva7it , 



^ 1826, 
Philadelphia, 
Mr. Darley. 
Mr, Wemyss. 
Mr. Jetferson, 
Mr. Murray. 



jyirs. Harlo-u) 
<y[iss Harlow 



Mrs. Anderson 
Mrs. Francis, 



stage Directions. 



By ft. H. ----- is meant Right Hand. 

X, H. ----- --- Left Hand. 

s. E. Second Entrance. 

w, B. -- - Upper Entrance. 

M. D. ----- Middle Door. 

D. F. .---------.---- Door in Flat. 

B.H. D. Right Hand Door, 

x,. H.D, Left Hand Door. 



Time of Representation, — One houn 



THE OLD MAID. 



ACT I. 
SCENE I. 

Enter Mrs. Harlow and Miss Harlow, r. h. 

Mrs. liar. My dear sister, let me tell you— - 

Miss Har. But, my dear sister, let me tell you it 
is in vain ; you can say nothing that will have effect. 

Mrs. Har. Not if you won't hear me — only hear 
me — 

Miss Har. Oh ! ma'am, I know you love to hear 
yourself talk, and so please yourself; but I am re- 
solved — 

Mrs. Har. Your resolution may alter. 

Miss Har, Never. 

Mrs. Har. Upon a little consideration. 

Miss Har. Upon no consideration. 

Mrs. Har. You don't know how that may be — 
recollect, sister, that you are no chicken — you are 
not now of the age that becomes giddiness and 
folly. 

Miss Har. Age, ma'am — 

Mrs. Har. Do but hear me, sister — do but hear 
me — a person of your years — 

Miss Har. My years, sister ! Upon my word — 

Mrs. Har. Nay, no offence, sister. 

Miss Har. But there is offence, ma'am : — I don't 
understand what you mean by it — always thwarting 
me with my years — my years, indeed ! when per- 
haps, ma'am, If I was to die of old age, some folks 
might have reason to look about them. 



8 ' THE OLD MAID. (Murphy.) 

Mrs. Har. She feels it I see — Oh ! I delight 
in mortifying her — f Aside, j — Sister, if I did not 
love you, I am sure I should not talk to you in this 
manner ; btit how can you make so unkind a return 
now as to alarm me about myself? — In some sixteen 
or eighteen years after you, to be sure, I own I shall 
begin to think of making my will — How could you 
be so severe ? 

Miss Har. Some sixteen or eighteen years ma'am! 
— If you would own the truth, ma'am, — I believe, 
ma'am, — you would find, ma'am, that the disparity, 
ma'am, is not so very great ma'am — 

3Irs. Har. Well ! I vow passion becomes you 
inordinately — it blends a few roses with the lillies 
of your cheek, and — 

Miss Har. And tho' you are married to my 
brother, ma'am, I would have you to know ma'am, 
that you are not thereby any way authorised, ma'am, 
to take unbecoming liberties with his sister. — I am 
independent of my brother, ma'am — my fortune is 
in my own hands, ma*am, and ma'am — 

Mrs, Har. Well ! do you know now when your 
blood circulates a little, that I think you look 
mighty v/ell? — But you was in the wrong not to 
marry at my age — sweet three and twenty ! — you 
can't conceive what a deal of good it would have 
done your temper and your spirits, if you had mar- 
ried early — 

Miss Har. Insolent! — provoking — female malice- 

Mrs. Har. But to be waiting till it is almost too 
late in the day, and force one's self to say strange 
things ; — with the tongue and heart at variance all 
the time — " I don't mind the hideous men" — '' I am 
very liappy as I am" — and all that time, my dear, 
dear sister — to be upon the tenter-hooks of expecta- 
tion — 
■ Miss Har. I upon tenter-hooks ! — 

Mrs. Har. And to be at this work of sour grapes 
till one is turned of three and forty — 



(^Acti.J THE OLD MAID. 9 

Miss Har. Three and forty, ma*am ! — I desire, 
sister — I desire, ma'am — three and forty, ma'am — 

Mrs. Har. Nay — nay — nay — don't be angry — 
don't blame me — blame my husband ; he is your 
own brother, you know, and he knows your age — He 
told me so. 

Miss Har. Oh ! ma'am, I see your drift — but you 
need not give yourself those airs, ma'am — the men 
don't see with your eyes, ma'am — years, indeed! 
three and forty, truly ! — I'll assure you — upon my 
word — ha ! very fine f — But I see plainly, ma'am, 
what you are at — Mr. Clerimont, madam ! Mr. 
Clerimont, sister ! that's what frets you — a young 
husband, ma'am — younger than your husband, 
ma'am — Mr. Clerimont, let me tell you, ma'am — - 

Enter Servant, l. h. ivho delivers a letter to 
Miss Harlow. 

Serv. A letter madam. 

Miss Har. Let me see it — let me see it — quick- 
quick — (Reads. J (Exit Serv. l. h.) 
"Madam, 

" The honour of a letter from you has so filled 
" my mind with joy and gratitude, that I want words 
" of force to reach but half my meaning. I can 
*' only say that you have revived a heart that was 
" expiring for you, and now beats for you alone." 
There sister, mind that ! — years indeed. 

(Reads to herself. J 

Mrs. Har. I wish you joy, sister. — I wish I had 
not gone to Ranelagh with her last week. — Who 
could have thought that her faded beauties would 
have made such an impression on him ? (Aside. J 

Miss Har. Mind here again, sister. — (Reads. J 
" Ever since I had the good fortune of seeing you 
" at Ranelagh, your idea has been ever present to 
" me ; and since you now give me leave, I shall, 
^* without delay, wait upon your brother, and what- 



10 THE OLD MAID. (Murphij.) 

** ever terms he prescribes, I shall readily subscribe 
" to ; for, to be your slave is dearer to me than li- 
'-'^ bertv. I have the honour to remai:<i 

*' The humblest of your admirers, 

" Clerimont." 
There, sister !^ 

Mrs. Har. Well! I wish you joy again — but re- 
member I tell you, take care what you do., He is 
voung, and of course giddy and inconstant. 

Miss Har. He is warm, passionate, and tender. 

3frs. Har. But you don't know how long that 
may last — and here are you going to break off a 
very suitable match, which all your friends liked 
and approved, a match with captain Cape, who to 
be sure — 

Miss Har. Don't name captain Cape, I beseech 
you, don't name him — 

Mrs. Har. Captain Cape, let me tell you, is not 
to be despised ; he has acquired by his voyages to 
India a very pretty fortune — has a charming box of 
a house upon Hackney Marsh — and is of an age 
every way suitable to you. 

Miss Har, There again now ! — age ! age ! age ! 
for ever ! years — years — my years ! — But I tell you 
once for all, Mr. Clerimont does not see with your 
eyes — I am determined to hear no more of captain 
Cape — odious Hackney Marsh ! ah ! sister, you 
would be glad to see me married in a middling 
way. 

3Irs. Har. I, sister ! I am sure nobody will re- 
joice more at your preferment. I am resolved never 
to visit her if Mr. Clerimont marries her. C Aside.) 

Miss Har. Well ! well ! I tell you Mr. Clerimont 
has won my heart — young, handsome, rich, town 
house, country house, equipage — To him, and only 
him, will I surrender myself — three and forty, in- 
deed ! ha ! ha ! you see, my dear, dear sister, that 
these features are still regular and blooming; that the 



fActl.) THE OLD MAID. U 

love-darting eye has not quite forsook me ; and 
that 1 have made a conquest which your boasted 
youth might be vain of. 

Mrs. Har. Oh ! ma'am, I beg your pardon if I 
have taken too much liberty for your good. 

Miss Har. I humbly thank you for your advice, 
my sweet, dear, friendly sister ; but don't envy me, 
I beg you won't ; don't fret yourself ; you can't con- 
ceive what a deal of good a serenity of mind will do 
your health : I'll go and write an answer directly to 
this charming, charming letter ; sister, yours ; I 
shall be glad to see you, sister, at my house in Hill 
street, when I am Mrs. Clerimont; and remember 
what I tell you, that some faces retain their bloom 
and beauty longer than you imagine — my dear sister 
— let me fly this moment; sister, your servant. 

CExit.f L. H.j 

Enter Mr. Harlow, r. h. 

Mr. Har. So, my dear ; how are my sister's af- 
fairs going on ? 

3Irs. Har. Why, my dear, she has had another 
letter from Mr. Clerimont ; did yow ever hear of 
such an odd unaccountable thing patched up in a 
hurry here ? 

Mr. Har. Why, it is sudden, to be sure. 

Mrs. Har. Upon my word, I think you had bet- 
ter advise her not to break off with captain Cape. 

Mr. Har. No, not I ; I wish she may be married 
to one or other of them, for her temper is really 
grown so very sour, and there is such eternal wrang- 
ling between ye both, that I wish to see her in her 
own house, for the peace and quiet of mine. 

J\lrs. Har. Do you know this Mr. Clerimont ? • 

Mr. Har. No: but I have heard of the family. 
There is a very fine fortune; I wish he may hold his 
intention. 

Mrs. Har. Why, I dovibt it vastly. 



12 I HE OLD MAID. (Murphy,) 

Mr. Har. And truly, so do I, for, between our- 
selves, I see no charms in my sister. 

Mrs. Har. For my part, I can't comprehend it ; 
how she could strike his fancy, is to me the most 
astonishing thing. After this, I shall be surprised at 
nothing. 

Mr. Har. Well, strange things do happen ; so 
she is but married out of the way, I am satisfied ; 
an old maid in a house is the devil. 

Enter Servant, l. h. 

Serv. Mr. Clerimont, sir, to wait on you. 

Mr. Har. Shew him in. (^£;ci^ Servant, L. H.j 
How comes this visit, pray ? 

Mrs. Har. My sister wrote to him to explain him- 
self to you ; well, it is mighty odd, but I'll leave you 
to yourselves. The man must be an idiot to think 
of her. CAside^ and exit r. h. 

Enter Mr. Clerimont, l. h. 

Mr. Har. Sir, I am glad to have this pleasure. 

Cleri. I presume, sir, you are no stranger to the 
business that occasions this visit. 

3Ir. Har. Sir, the honour you do me and my 
family — 

Cleri. Oh, sir, to be allied to your family by so 
tender a tie as a marriage with your sister, will at 
once reflect a credit upon me, and conduce to my 
happiness in the most essential point. The lady 
charmed me at the very first sight. 

Mr. Har. (Aside.) The devil she did ! 

Cleri. The sensibility of her countenance, the 
elegance of her figure, the sweetness of her man- 
ner — 

Mr. Har. Sir, you are pleased to — compliment ! 

Cleri. Compliment ! not in the least, sir. 



fA<:ti.) THE OLD MAID. 13 

Mr. Har, The sweetness of my sister's manner, 
ba, ha ! (Aside,) 

Cleri. The first time I saw her was a few nights 
ago at Ranelagh; though there was a crowd of 
beauties in the room, thronging and pressing all 
around, yet she shone amongst them all with supe- 
rior lustre; she was walking arm in arm with another 
lady, no opportunity offered for me to form an ac- 
quamtance amidst the hurry and bustle of the place, 
but I enquired their names as they were going into 
their chariot, and learned they were Mrs. and Miss 
Harlow. From that moment she won my heart and 
at one glance I became the willing captive of her 
beauty. 

Mr. Har. A very candid declaration. Sir ! How 
can this be ? The bloom has been oif the peach any 
time these fifteen years, to my knowledge, f Aside.) 
You see my sister with a favourable eye, sir. 

Cleri. A favouraj^le eye ! he must greatly want 
discernment, who has not a quick perception of her 
merit. 

Mr. Har. You do her a great deal of honour; 
but this affair, is it not somewhat sudden, sir ? 

Cleri. I grant it ; you may indeed be surprised 
at it, sir j nor should I have been hardy enough to 
make any overtures to ) ou, at least yet awhile, if 
she herself had not condescended to listen to my 
passion, and authorised me under her own fair hand 
to apply to her brother for his consent. 

Mr. Har. I shall be very ready, sir, to give my 
approbation to my sister's happiness. 

Cleri. No d^^ubt you will : but let me not cherish 
an unavailing flame, a flame that already lights up 
ali my teiiderest passions. 

3Ir. Har. But have you consulted your friends ? 

Cleri. I have — my uncle, Mr. Heartwell — who pro- 
poses to leave me a very handsome adi'it on to my 
fortune, which is considerable already ; he, sir— 

B 



14 THE OLD MAID. (Murphy J 

Mr> Har* Well, sir, if he has no objection, I can 
have none. 

Cleri. He has none, sir; he has given his consent; 
he desires me to lose no time. I will bring him to pay 
you a visit; he rejoices in my choice; you shall 
have it out of his own mouth ; name your hour, and 
he shall attend you. In the mean time, I feel an at- 
tachment here ; the lady, sir. 

Mr. Har. Oh ! you want to see my sister, I will 
send her to you, sir, this instant; I beg your pardon 
for leaving you alone. Ha ! ha ! who would have 
thought of her making a conquest at last. 

fExit^ R. H.) 

Cieri. I' Alone. J Sir, your most obedient ; now, 
Clerimont, now your heart may rest content ; your 
doubts and fears may all subside, and joy and rap- 
ture take their place. Miss Harlow shall be mine, 
she receives my vows ; she approves my passion. 
CSing-s and dances. J Soft ! here she comes ; her 
very appearance controuls my wildest hopes, and 
hushes my proud heart into respect and silent admi- 
ration. 

Enter Mrs. Harlow, r. h. s. e. 

Mrs. Har. Sir, your servant. 

Cleri. Madam. (Boxvs respectfully .) 

Mrs, Har. I thought Mr. Harlow was here, sir. 

Cleri. Madam, he is but just gone. How a sin- 
gle glance of her eye over-awes me ! (Aside.) 

Mrs. Har. I wonder he would leave you alone, 
sir,Xhat is not so polite in his own house. 

Cleri. My tongue faulters ! I can't speak to her. 

(Aside.) 

Mrs. Har. He seems in confusion ; a pretty man 
too ! that this should be my sister's luck ! (Aside.) 

Cleri. Madam ! (Embarrassed,) 

Mrs. Har. I imagine you have been talking to 
him on the subject of the letter you sent this morning. 



fActl.) THE OLD MAID. 15 

Cleri. Madam, I have presumed to — 

Mrs, Har. Well, sir, and he has no objection, I 
hope. 

Cleri, She hopes ! Heavens bless her for the word. 
(Aside.) Madam, he has frankly consented, if his 
sister will do me that honour. 

Mrs. Har. For his sister, I think I may venture 
to answer, sir. 

Cleri. Generous, generous creature ! 

Mrs. Har. You are sure, sir, of Miss Harlow's 
admiration, and the whole family hold themselves 
much obliged to you. 

Cleri. Madam, it shall be the endeavour of my 
life to prove deserving of the amiable object I have 
dared to aspire to. 

Mrs. Har. Sir, I make no doubt of your sincerity; 
I have already declared my sentiments ; you know 
Mr. Harlow's; and if my sister is willing, nothing 
will be wanting to conclude this business : if no 
difficulties arise from her, for her temper is uncer- 
tain; as to my consent, sir, your air, your manner 
have commanded it. Sir, your most obedient, I'll 
send my sister to you. (Exit Mrs. Harlow r. h.) 

Cleri. Madam, ' C Boxving.) I shall endeavour to 
repay this goodness with excess of gratitude. Oh! 
she is an angel ! and yet, stupid that I am, I could 
not give vent to the tenderness I have within. I 
hear somebody. — Oh, here comes Mrs. Harlow ; 
what a gloom sits upon her features ! She assumes 
authority here I find, but I'll endeavour by insinua« 
tion and respect — 

Enter Miss Harlow, r.h. 

Mis^ Har. My sister has told me, sir — 
Cleri. Ma'am. (Boxving cheerfully.) 

Miss Har. He is a sweet figure. (Aside.) 

Cleri. She rather looks like Miss Harlow's grand- 
mother than her sister in-law. (Aside) 



16 THE OLD MAID. (Murphy. J 

Miss Har. He seems abashed ; his respect is the 
cause. (Aside.) My sister told me, sir, that you was 
here ; I beg pardon for making you wait so long. 

Cleri. Oh, ma'am. (Bozvs.) The gloom disappears 
from her face, but the lines of ill-nature remain. 

(Aside.) 

Miss Har. I see he loves me by his confusion ; 
I'll cheer him with affability. (Aside.) Sir, the letter 
you was pleased to send, my sister has seen, and — 

Cleri. And has assured me that she has no ob- 
jection. 

Miss Har. I am glad of that, sir ; I was afraid — 

Ckri. No, ma'am, she has none ; and Mr. Harlow, 
1 have seen him too ; he has honoured me with his 
consent : now, madam the only doubt remains with 
you ; may I be permitted to hope — 

Miss Har. Sir, you appear like a gentleman^ 
and — 

Cleri. Madam, believe me, never was love more 
sincere, more justly founded on esteem, or kindled 
into higher admiration. 

Miss Har. Sir, with the rest of the family, I hold 
myself m.uch obliged to you, and — 

Cleri. Obliged! 'tis I that am obliged; there is 
uo merit on my side, it is the consequence of im- 
pressions made upon my heart, and what heart can 
resist such beauty, such various graces ! 

3Iiss Har. Sir, I am afraid — I wish my sister 
heard him. (Aside.) Sir, I am afraid you are lavish 
of your praise j and the short date of your love, 
sir — 

Cleri. It will burn with un abating ardour ; the 
same charms that first inspired it, will forever 
cherish it, and add new fuel; but I presume you 
hold this style to try my sincerity; I see that's your 
aim ; but could you read the feelings of my heart, 
you would not thus cruelly keep me in suspense. 

Miss Har. Heavens ! if my sister saw my power 
over him. (Aside.) A little suspense cannot be 



(Act 1.) THE OLD MAID. 17 

deemed unreasonable ; marriage is an important af- 
fair, an affair for life, and some caution you will al- 
low necessary. 

Cleri. Madam ! (Disconcerted.) Oh, I dread the 
sourness of her look ! (Aside.) 

Miss Har, I can't help observing, sir, that you 
dwell chiefly on articles of external and superficial 
merit ; whereas, the more valuable qualities of the 
mind, prudence, good sense, a well regulated con 
duct — 

Cleri. Oh, ma'am, I am not inattentive to those 
matters ; but let me entreat you, madam, to do jus 
tice to my principles, and believe me a sincere, a 
generous lover. 

Miss Har, Sir, I will frankly own, that I have 
been trying you all this time, and from henceforth 
all doubts are banished. 

Cleri. Your words recall me to new life ; I shall 
forever study to merit this goodness ; but your fair 
sister, do you think I can depend upon her consent ? 
May I flatter myself she will not change her mind t 

Miss Har. My sister cannot be insensible of the 
honour you do us all, and, sir, as far as I can act 
with propriety in the affair, I will endeavour to keep 
them all inclined to favour you. 

Cleri, Madam. (Bows.) 

Miss Har. You have an interest in my breast that 
will be busy for you. 

Cki'i. I am eternally devoted to you, madam. 

(Bows.) 

Miss Har. How modest and yet how expressive 
he is ! (Aside.) 

Cleri. Madam, I shall be forever sensible of this 
extreme condescension, and shall think no pains too- 
great to prove the gratitude and esteem I bear you. 
My respects to your sister, ma'am, and pray madam, 
keep her in my interest j madam, your most obe-- 
dient — I have managed the motherly lady finely, I 
think. (Aside.) Madam, ( Bows ^ arul exit \,. s.,) 



18 THE OLD MAID. (Murphy.). 

Miss Har, What will my sister say now? I shall 
hear no more of her taunts ; a malicious thing ! I 
fancy she now sees that your giddy flirts are not al- 
ways the highest beauties ; set her up, indeed ! had 
she but heard him, the dear man ! What sweet 
things he said ! and what sweet things he looked — - 

Enter Mrs. Harlow, r. h. 

3Irs. Har. Well, sister ! how ! what does he 
say ? C Crosses to centre. J 

3Iiss Har. Say, sister ! every thing that is charm- 
ing ; he is the prettiest man — 

Mrs. Har. Well I I am glad of it ; But all's well 
that ends well. 

Miss Har. Envy, sister ! Envy and downright 
malice ! Oh ! had you heard all the tender things 
he uttered, and with that extacy too ! that tenderness ! 
that delight restrained by modesty ! 

Mrs, Har. I don't know tho' ; there is something 
odd in it still. 

Miss Har. Oh ! I don't doubt but you will say so ; 
but you will find I have beauty enough left to make 
some noise in the world still. The men, sister, are 
the best judges of female beauty ; don't concern 
yourself about it, sister, leave it all to them. 

Mrs. Har. But only think of a lover you never 
saw, but once at Ranelagh. 

3Iiss Har. Very true ! but even then I saw what 
work I made in his heart ; Oh! I am in raptures 
with him, and he is in raptures with me. 

Enter Mr. Harlow^, r. h.. 

Mr. Har. So, sister ! how stand matters now ? 

Miss Har. As I could wish ; I shall no more be a 
trouble to you : he has declaredhimself in the most 
warm and vehement manner. Tho' my s\ster has 



(Ac(l.) THE OLD MAID. 19 

her doubts, she is a good friend, she is afraid of my 
success — 

Mrs. Har. Pray, sister, don't think so meanly of 
me — I understand that sneer, ma'am. 

Mhs Har, And I understand you too, ma'am. 

Mr, Har. Come, come, I desire we may have no 
quarrelling; you two are always wrangling; but 
when you are separated, it is to be hoped you will 
then be more amicable. Things are now in a fair 
way ; tho', sister, let me tell you, I am afraid our 
India friend will think himself ill treated. 

Mrs. Har. That's what I fear too, that's my reason 
for speaking. 

3Iiss Har. Oh ! never throw away a thought on 
him. Mr. Clerimont has my heart; and now I 
think I am settled for life ; sister, I love to plague 
her ; now I think I am settled for life — for life — for 
life, my dear sister. 

Enter Servant, r. h. 

^Serv. Dinner is served sir. 

3Ir. Har. Very well ! T^^czV Servant, r. h.J 

Come, sister, I give you joy ; let us in to dinner. 

Miss Har. Oh, vulgar ! I can't eat ; I must ga 
and dress my head over again, and do a thousand 
things ; for I am determined I'll look this afternoon 
as well as ever I can. f Crosses and Exit r. h.) 

Mrs. Har. Is not all this amazing, my dear ? Her 
head is turned. 

Mr. Har. Well, let it all pass, don't you mind it, 
don't you say any thing, let her get married if she 
can ; I am sure I shall rejoice at it. 

Mrs, Har. And upon my word, my dear, so shall 
I ; and if I interfere, it is purely out of friendship. 

Mr. Har. But be advised by me, say no more to 
her. If the affair goes on, we shall fairly get rid 
of her : her peevish humours, and her maiden tern- 



2Q THE OLD MAID. {Murphy,} 

per, are become insupportable. Come, let us in to 
dinner ; if Mr. Clerimont marries her, which in- 
deed, will be odd enough, we shall then enjoy a 
little peace and quiet. {Exeunt r. h^^ 



SND OF ACT I. 



rAct2,J THE OLD MAID, 21 



ACT II. 

SCENE 1.—^ room at Mr, Harlow's. 
Enter Servant and Capt. Cape, l. h. 

Seri). Yes, sir, my master is at home ; he has just 
done dinner, sir. 

Cape. Very well then -, tell him I would speak a 
word with him. 

Serv. I beg pardon, sir; I am but a stranger in 
the family — who shall I say ? 

Cape, Captain Cape, tell him, and be damn'd to 
you. 

Serv. Yes, sir. f£xit^ r. h.j 

Cape. I can hardly believe my own eyes ; s'deathj 
I am almost inclined to think this letter, signed 
with Miss Harlow's name, a mere forgery by some 
enemy, to drive me into an excess of passion, and 
so injure us both j I don't know what to say to it— 

Ejiter Mr. Harlow, r. h. 

Cape. Sir, I have waited on you about an extra- 
ordinary affair ; I can't comprehend it, sir. Here 
is a letter with your sister's name ; Look at it, sir, 
is that her hand writing ? 

Mr. Har. Yes, sir, I take it to be her writing. 

Cape. And do you know the contents ? 

Mr. Har. I can't say I have read it ; but — 

Cape. But you know the purport of it \ 

Mr. Har. Partly. 

Cape. You do i and is not it base treatment, sir ? 
is it not unwarrantable ? can you justify her? 

Mr. Har. For my part, I leave women to manage 
their own affairs j I am not fond of intermeddling. 



22 THE OLD MAID. (Murphy,) 

Cape. But, sir, let me ask you ; was not every- 
thing agreed upon ? are not the writings now in 
lawyers' hands ? was not next week fixed for our 
wedding ? 

Mr, Har, I understood it so. 

Cape. Very well then, and see how she treats me; 
she writes me here, in a contemptuous manner, "that 
"she recalls her promise ; it was rashly given ; she 
*'has thought better of it ; she will listen to me no 
"more ; she is going to dispose of herself to a gen- 
"tleman with whom she can be happy for life ; and, 
" I desire to see you no more, sir ;" There, that's 
free and easy, is not it ? what do you say to that ? 

Mr. Har, Why really, sir, it is not my affair ; I 
have nothing to say to it. 

Cape. Nothing to say to it ! Sir, I imagined I was 
dealing with people of honour. 

Mr. Har, You have been dealing with a woman, 
and you know — 

Cape. Yes, I know ; I know the treachery of the 
sex ; who is this gentleman, pray ? 

Mr, Har. His name is Clerimont ; thev have 
fixed the affair among themselves, and amongst 
them be it for me. 

Cape. Very fine ! mighty fine ! Is Miss Harlow 
at home, sir ? 

Mr, Har. She is ; and here she comes too. 

Cape. Very well! let me hear it from herself; 
that's all ; I desire to hear her speak for herself. 

Mr. Har, With all my heart. I'll leave you to- 
gether ; you know, captain, I was never fond of 
being concerned in those things. (Ex'it^ r. h.) 

Enter Miss Harlow, r. h. s. e. 

Miss Har. Capt. Cape, this is mighty odd; I 
thought, sir, 1 desired — 

Cape. Madam, I acknowledge the receipt of your 
etter, and, madam, the usage is so extraordinary, 



Act 2.) THE OLD MAID. 23 

that I hold myself excusable if I refuse to comply 
with the terms you impose upon me. 

Miss liar. Sir, I really wonder what you can 
mean. 

Cape. Mistake me not, madam ; I am not come 
to whimper or to whine, and to make a puppy of 
myself again : madam that is all blown over. 

Miss Har. AVell then, there is no harm done, and 
you will survive this I hope. 

Cape. Survive it ! 

Miss Har. Yes; you won't grow desperate I hope. 
Suppose you were to order somebody to take care of 
you, because you know fits of despair are sudden, 
and you may rashly do yourself a mischief; don't 
do any such thing, I beg you won't. 

Cape. This insult, madam ! Do myself a mischief! 
Madam, don't flatter yourself that it is in your 
power to make me unhappy; it is not vexation brings 
me hither, I assure you. 

Miss Har. Then let vexation take you away ; we 
were never designed for one another. 

Cape. My amazement brings me hither ; amaze- 
ment that any woman can behave — but I don't want 
to upbraid ; I only come to ask — for I can hardly as 
yet believe it ; I only come to ask if I am to credit 
this pretty epistle ? 

Miss Har. Every syllable ; therefore take your 
answer, sir, and truce with your importunity. 

Cape. Very well, ma'am, your humble servant, 
madam; I promise you ma'am, I can repay this scorn 
with scorn — with tenfold scorn, madam, such as 
this treatment deserves — that's all — I say no more : 
your servant ma'am ; but let me ask you, is this a 
just return for all the attendance I have paid you 
these three years past ? 

Miss Har. Perfectly just, sir ; three years ! How 
could you be a dangler so long ? I told you what it 
would come to; can yo think that raising a woivtan's 
expectation, and tiring her out of allpatience, is the 
way to make sure of her at last ? you ought to have 



24 THE OLD MAID. {Murphy.) 

been a brisker lover, you ought indeed, sir. I am 
now contracted to another, and so there is an end 
of every thing between us. 

Cape. Very well, madam — and yet I cant bear to 
to be despised by her ; and can you. Miss Harlow, 
can you find it in your heart to treat me with this 
disdain ? have you no compassion ? 

Miss Har. No, positively none, sir, none, none. 

Cape. Your own Captain Cape, whom you-— - 

Miss Har. Whom I despise. 

Cape. Whom you have so often encouraged to 
adore you. 

Miss Har, Pray, sir, don't touch my hand ; I am 
now the property of another. 

Cape. Can't you still break off with him ? 

Miss Har. No sir, I can't; I won't; I love him, 
and sir, if you are a man of honour, you will speak 
to me no more ; desist, sir, for if you don't, my 
brother shall tell you of it, sir, and to-morrow, Mr. 
Clerimont shall tell you of it. 

Cape. Mr. Clerimont, madam, shall fight me, for 
daring — 

3Iiss Har. And must I fight you too, most noble, 
valiant captain ? 

Cape. Laughed at too ! 

3Iiss Har. W^hat a passion you are in ! I can't 
bear to see a man in such a passion — Oh ! I have a 
happy riddance of you — the violence of your tem- 
per is dreadful — I won't stay a moment longer with 
you — vou frighten me — you have your answer, and 
so your servant sir. (Exit r. h.) 

Cape. Ay ! she is gone off like a fury, and the 
furies catch her, say I— I will never put up with 
this — I will find out tbis Mr. Cier?' ont, ^nd he 
shall be accountable to me — Mr. HariOw too shall 
be accountable to me. 



Act 2.) THE OLD MAID. 25 

Enter Mr. and Mrs. Harlow, r. h. 

Cape. Mr. Harlow, I am used very ill here, sir, 
by all of you, and sir, let me tell you — 

Mr. Har. Nay ; don't be angry with me, sir ; I 
was not to marry you — 

Cape. But sir, I can't help being angry ; I must 
be angry ; and let me tell you, you don't behave like 
a gentleman. 

Mrs. Har. How can Mr. Harlow help it, sir, if 
my sister—^ 

Mr. Har. You are too warm ; you are indeed, sir; 
let us both talk of this matter over a bottle. 

Cape. No, sir ; no bottle ; over a cannon if you 
will. ^ 

Mrs. Har. Mercy on me, sir ; I beg you won't 
talk in that terrible manner — you frighten me, sir. 

Mr. Har. Be you quiet, my dear ; Capt. Cape, I 
beg you will just step into that room with me ; and 
if, in the dispatching one bottle, I don't acquit my- 
self of all sinister dealing, why then — come, come, 
be a little moderate j you shall step with me ; I'll 
take it as a favour — come, come, you must — 

Cape. I always found you a gentleman, Mr. Har- 
low, and so with all my heart ; I don't care if I do 
talk the matter over with you. 

Mr. Har. Sir I am obliged to you ; I'll shew you 
the way. ^ ^ f Exeunt c. D.) 

Mrs. Har. It is just as I foresaw ; my sister was 
sure of him, and now is she going to break off for 
a young man, that will despise her in a little time ; 
I wish she would have Capt. Cape. 

Enter Miss Harlow, r. h. 

Jliss Har. Is he gone, sister ? 
3Irs. Har. No : and here is the deuce and all to 
do; he is lor fighting every body ; upon my word 



26 THE OLD MAID. fil/^/r/^/ie/J 

you are wrong ; you don't behave genteelly in the 
affair. 

Miss Har. Genteelly ! I like that notion prodigi- 
ously ; an't I going to marry genteelly ? 

Mrs. Har. Well, follow your own inclinations ; 
I won't intermeddle any more, I promise you ; I'll 
step into the parlour, and see what they are about. 

(Exit CD.) 

Miss Har. As you please, ma'am ; I see plainly 
the ill-natured thing can't bear my success — 
Heavens ! here comes Mr. Clerimont. 

Enter Mr. Clerimont, l. h. 

jlftss Har, You are earlier than I expected, sir. 

Cleri. I have flown, madam, upon the wings of 
love ; I have seen my uncle, and he will be here 
within this half hour ; every thing succeeds to my 
wishes with him ; I hope there is no alteration 
here, madam, since I saw you — 

Miss Har. Nothing that signifies, sir. 

Cleri. You alarm me ; Mr. Harlow has not 
changed his mind, I hope. 

3liss Har. No, sir, he continues in the same mind. 

Cleri. And your sister — I tremble with doubt and 
fear ; she does not surely recede from the sentiments 
she flattered me with. 

Miss Har. Why there, indeed, I can't say much, 
she — 

Cleri. How ' 

Miss Har. She — I don't know what to make of 
her. 

Cleri. Oh ! I am on the rack ; in pity do not tor- 
ture me. 

3f7ss Har. How tremblingly solicitous he is. Oh! 
I have made a sure conquest. (Aside.) Why, she, 
sir— 

Cleri. Ay, ( Disconcerted, J 



(Act 2.) THE OLD MAID. 27 

Miss Har. She does not "seem entirely to approve- 

C/eri. You kill me M-ith despair. 

Miss Har. Oh ! he is deeply smitten. (Aside.) 
She thinks another match would suit better. 

Cleri. Another match ! 

Miss Har. Yes, another ; an India captain, who 
has made his proposals ^ but I shall take care to see 
him dismissed. 

Cleri. Will you ? 

Miss Har, I promise you I will ; tho' he runs 
much in m)' sister's head, and she has taken pains 
to bring my other relations over to her opinion. 

Cleri, Oh ! cruel, cruel ! I could not have ex- 
p.ected that from her j but has she fixed her heart 
upon a match with this other gentleman ? 

Miss Har. Why, truly I think she has \ but my 
will in this affair must be, and shall be consulted. 

Cleri. And so it ought, ma'am ; your long 
acquaintance with the world, madam — 

Miss Har. Long acquaintance, sir ! I have but a 
few years experience only. 

Cleri. That is, your good sense, ma'am ; oh ! con- 
found my tongue ! how that slipt from me. (Aside.) 
Your good sense, your early good sense — and— 
and — inclination should be consulted. 

Miss Har. And they shall, sir ; hark ! I hear hef j 
I'll tell you what, I'll leave you this opportunity to 
speak to her once more, and try to win her over by 
persuasion ; it will make things easy if you can ; I 
am gone, sir. (Curtsies affectedly and exit., r. h.) 

Cleri. The happiness of my life will be owing to 
you, madam. The woman is really better natured 
than I thought she was j she comes, the lovely tyrant 
comes. 

Enter Mrs. Harlow, c. d. f. 

Cleri. She triumphs in her cruelty, and I am 
ruined. (Aside.) 



28 THE OLD MAID. (Murphy.) 

Mrs. Har. You seem afflicted, sir; I hope no 
misfortune — 

Cler'i. The severest misfortune ! You have broke 
my heart. 

Mrs. Har. I break your heart, sir ? 

Cleri. Yes, cruel fair, yoU' — you have undone me. 

Mrs. Har. You amaze me, sir, pray how can I — 

Clei'i. The gentleman from India, madam ; I have 
heard it all ; you can give him a preference ; you 
can blast my hopes, my fond delighted hopes, which 
you yourself had cherished. 

Mrs. Har. The gentleman is a very good sort of 
man. 

Cleri. Oh ! she loves him, I see. (Aside.) Madam, 
I percefve my doom is fixed, and fixed by you. 

Mrs. Har. How have I fixed your doom ? If I 
speak favourably of Capt. Cape, he deserves it, sir. 

Cleri. Oh, Heavens ! I cannot bear this. (Aside.) 

Mrs. Har. I believe there is nobody that knows 
the gentleman, but will give him his due praise — 

Cleri. Love ! love ! love ! f Aside.) 

Mrs. Har, And besides, his claim is in fact prior 
to yours. 

Cleri. And must love b-e governed, like the busi« 
ness of mechanics, by the laws of tyrant custom I 
Can you think so, Madam ? 

Mrs. Har. Why, Sir, you know I am not in love. 

Cleri. Oh ! cruel ! no, madam, I see you are not. 

Mrs. Har. And really now, sir, reasonably speak- 
ing, my sister is for treating captain Cape very ill 
— He has been dancing attendance here these three 
years. 

Cleri. Yet that you knew, when you were pleased 
to fan the rising flame, that matchless beauty had 
kindled in my heart. 

3Irs. Har. Matchless beauty! ha ! ha! I cannot but 
laugh at that. (Aside. J 

Cleri. Laugh, madam, if you will, triumph, if 
you will ; I am resigned to my fate, since you will 
have it so. 



(Act 2.) THE OLD MAID. ^9 

3f)'s. Har. I have it so ! you seem to frighten 
yourself without cause : if I speak favourably of 
any body else, sir, what then \ 1 am not to marry 
him, you know. 

Cleri. An't you ? 

Mrs. Har. I ! no, truly, thank Heaven ! 

Cleri. She revives me. (Aside.) 

Mrs. Har. That must be as my sister pleases. 

Cleri. Must it? 

3Irs. Har. Must it ? to be sure it must. 

Cleri, And may I hope some interest in your 
heart ? 

Mrs. Har. My heart, sir ! I don't understand 
you ! Why, it has been given away long ago. 

Cleri. 1 pray you do not tyrannize me thus with 
alternate doubts and fears ; if you will but bless 
me with the least kind return. 

3Irs. Har. Kind return ! what, would you have 
me fall in love with you I 

Cleri. It will be generous to him who adores you. 

Mrs. Har. Adore me ! 

Cleri, Even to idolatry. 

3Irs. Har. What can he mean ? I thought my 
sister was the object of your adoration. 

Cleri. Your sister, ma'am ! I shall ever respect 
her as my friend on this occasion, but love^— no, no, 
she is no object for that. 

Mrs. Har. No ! 

Cleri. She may have been handsome in her time, 
but that has been all over long ago. 

3Irs. Har. Well ! this is charming ; I wish she 
heard him now, with her new-fangled airs. (Aside.) 
But let me understand you sir; adore me ! 

Cleri. You ! you ! and only you ! by this fair 
hand. (Kisses it.) 

xllrs. Har. And was that your drift in coming 
hither ? 

Ckrix What else could induce me ? 

c2 



50 THE OLD MAID. {Murphij.) 

Mrs. Har. And introduced yourself here, to have 
4%n opportunity of speaking to me ? 

Cleri. My angel ! don't torment me thus. 

Mrs. Har. Angel ! and pray, sir, what do you 
suppose Mr. Harlow will say to this ? 

Clerk. Oh! ma'am, he! he approves my passion. 

Mrs. Har. Does he really ? I must speak to him 
about that. 

Cleri. Do so, ma'am, you will find I am a man of 
more honour than to deceive you. 

Mrs. Har. Well ! it will be whimsical if he does 
— and my sister too, this will be a charming dis- 
covery lor her. (Aside.) Ha ! ha ! well ! really, sir, 
this is mighty odd. I'll speak to Mr. Harlow alDOut 
this matter this very moment. (Going-.) 

Cleri. Oh ! you will find it all true — and ' may I 
then flatter myself — 

3Irs. Har. Oh ! to be sure ; such an honourable 
project ; I'll step to him this moment, and then, sis- 
ter, I shall make such a piece of work for you. 

Cleri. Very well, ma'am, see Mr. Harlow imme- 
diately, he will confirm it to you; — fExit Mrs. 
Harlow, c. d. f.) — while there is life there is hope 
— such matchless beautv ! 

Efiter Miss Harlow, r. h. 

Miss Har. I beg your pardon, sir, for leaving you 
all this time ; well, what says m.y sister ? 

Cleri. She has given me some glimmering hopes. 

3I2SS Har. Well, don't be uneasy about her ; it 
shall be as I please. 

Chri. But with her own free consent it would be 
better ; however, to you I am bound by every tie, 
and thus let me seal a vow. f Kisses her hand. J 

Miss Har. He certainly is a very passionate lover 
-—Lord! he is ready to eat my hand up with kisses 
— I wish my sister saw this. C Aside. J Hush ! I 
^ear Capt. Cape's voice 5 the hideous Tramontane ' 



(Act 2.) THE OLD MAID. 31 

he is coming this way ; I would not see him again 
for the world ; I'll withdraw a moment, sir; you'll 
excuse me, Mr. ClQrimont.f He kisses her hand and 
she curtsies very-lozv. J Your servant, sir. Oh! he is a 
charming man. f Curtsies, and exit, r. h.) 

Enter Capt. Cape, c. d. f. (comes down l. h.^ 

Cape. There she goes, the perfidious! sir, I under- 
stand your name is Clerimont. 

Cleri. At your service, sir. 

Cape. Then, sir, draw this moment. 

Cleri. Draw, sir ! for what? 

Cape. No evasion, sir. 

Cleri. Explain the cause. 

Cape. The cause is too plain ; your making love 
to that lady who went out there this moment. 

Cleri. That lady ! not I, upon my honour, sir. 

Cape. No shuffling, sir, draw. 

Cleri. Sir, I can repel an injury like this ; but 
your quarrel is groundless ; and, sir, if ever I made 
love to that lady, I will lay my bosom naked to your 
sword. That lady ! I resign all manner of preten- 
sion to her. 

Cape. You resign her, sir. 

Cleri. Entirely. 

Cape. Then I am pacified, f Puts up his szvord.J 

Cleri. Upon my word, sir, I never so much as 
thought of the lady. 

Enter Mr. Harlow, c. d. f. 

Mr, liar. So, sir, fine doings you have been car- 
rying on here. 

Clert. Sir ! 

Mr. Har. You have been making love to my wife 
I find. 

Cleri* Upon my word, Mr, Harlow - 



35 THE OLD MAID. (Murphy,) 

Mr. Har. You have behaved in a very base man- 
ner, and I insist upon satisfaction; draw sir. (draws.) 

Cleri. This is the strangest accident ! I assure 
you, sir, only give me leave — 

Mr. Har. I will not give you leave ; I insist— 

Cape. (Crosses to centre.) Nay, nay, Mr. Harlow, 
this is neither time or place ; and besides, hear the 
gentleman ; 1 have been over-hasty, and he has 
satished me, only hear him. 

Mr. Har. Sir, 1 will believe my own wife ; come 
on, sir. 

Cleri. I assure you, Mr. Harlow, I came into this 
house upon honourable principles — induced, sir, by 
my regard for Miss Harlow. 

Cape. For Miss Harlow ! zoons, draw. 

Cleri. Again ! this is downright mildness ; two 
tipon me at once, you will murder me between you. 

Mr. Har. f Crosses to Centre.) There is one too 
many upon him, sure enough and so, captam put up. 

Cape. Resign your pretensions to Miss Harlow. 

Cleri. Resign ;kiss Hai.o ! not for the universe 
— in her cause I can be as ready as any bravo of ye 
all. fDrazvs his szvord.) 

Mr. Har. For Heaven's sake, Capt. Cape, do 
moderate your anger, this is neither time or place ; 
I have been too rash myself ; I beg you'll be pacified. 
C He puts up.) iVlr. Cleiimont, sheath your sword. 

Cleri, I obey, sir. (Puts up his sword.) 

Mr. Har. Capt. Cape, how can you \ you 
promised me you would let thinjrs take their course; 
if my sister will marry the gentleman, how is he to 
blame ? 

Cape. Very well, sir, I have done ; she is a worth- 
less woman, that's all. 

Cleri. A worthless woman, sir ! 

Cape. Ay ! wortniess. 

Cleri < j3amnation ! draw, sir ! (Draws his sword.) 

Mr. Har. i^ay, nay, vlr. Clerimont; everything 
was settled between us in the other room-— recollect 



CAct2.) THE OLD MAID. 33 

yourself, do, I beg you will ; Oh ! here come the 
ladies. 

Ejiter Mrs. and Miss Harlow, r. h. 

3Iiss Har. Now, sister, you shall see I have com- 
pleted my conquest. 

Cleri. Now then I am happy indeed ; my lovely, 
charming bride, thus let me snatch you to my heart, 
and thus, and thus. (Embraces Mrs. Harlow.) 

Mr, Har. Zoons ! before my face. 

C Pushing him away.j 

Cleri. Pry'thee, indulge my transport ; my life, 
my angel ! 

3Ir. Har. I desire you will desist, sir. 

Cleri. Nay, nay, pry'thee be quiet j my charming, 
charming wife ! 

Mr, Har. That lady is not your wife. 

Cleri. How, my wife, not my wife ! 

Mr. Har. Zoons ! sir, no trifling j that lady is 
my wife. 

Cleri. Sir! 

3Ir. Har. I say, sir, that lady is my wife ! 

Cape. Ha ! ha ! I see through this : it is a come- 
dy of errors, I believe. (Sings. J 

Cleri. Your wife, sir ! 

Mr. Har. Yes, my wife ; and there is my sister, 
if you please to take her. 

Cleri. Sir ! 

Mr. Har. Sir, this is the lady whom you have de- 
sired in marriage. 

Cleri. Who I, sir ? I beg your pardon, that lady 
I took to be your wife, f Pointing to Miss Har- 
low.) and that lady (Pointing to Mrs. Harlow.) 
I took to be your sister. 

Cape and Mrs. Har. Ha ! ha! ha ! 

31iss Har^ Lord ! lord ! have I been made a fool 
of all this time ! furies ! torture ! murder ! 

Cape, Ha ! ha ! my lady fair is taken in, I think. 



34 THE OLD MAID. f JT^?/r/;Az/. 

Mrs. Har. Sister, the men don't see with my eyes, 
ha ! ha ! (Crosses to her.) 

Cape. Ha ! ha ! the gentleman is no dangler, 
ma'am. 

Mrs. Har. This is a complete conquest my sister 
has made. 

3Iiss Har. I can't bear this ; Sir, I desire I may 
not be made a jest of — did not you solicit me ? im- 
portune me ? 

C/eri. For your interest in that lady, ma'am, 
whom I took for Miss Harlow ; I beg your pardon 
if I am mistaken — I hope there is no harm done. 

Miss. Har. Yes, sir, but there is harm done ; I 
am made sport of — exposed to derision — Oh ! I 
cannot bear this, I cannot bear it. C Cries. J 

Mrs. Har. Don't cry, sister ; some faces preserve 
their bloom longer than others, you know, ha ! ha ! 

Cape. Loll toll loll. (Crosses behind to r. h.) 

Cleri. Since matters have turned so imexpectedly, 
I beg pardon for my mistake, and sir, I take my 
leave. (Going., crosses to l. h.) 

Miss Har. And will you treat me in this manner, 
sir? will you draw me into such a scrape, and not — 

Cleri. Ma'am, that gentlemen would cut my throat 
•—his claim is prior to mine ; and, I dare say, he 
"will be very glad to be reconciled, madam. 

Miss Har. You are a base man then, and I reject 
you. (Crosses to Cape.) Capt. Cape, I see my error, 
sir, and I resign myself to you. 

Cape. (r. h.) No, madam, I beg to be excused j I 
have been a dangler too long ; I ought to have been 
a brisker lover ; I shall endeavour to survive it, 
ma'am ; I won't do myself a mischief; and I have 
my answer — I am off, madam, loll, toll, loll. 

(Crosses to 'L.n.) 

Cleri. Madam, I dare say the gentleman will 
think better of it : Mr. Harlow, I am sorry for all 
this confusion, and I beg pardon of the whole com- 
pany for my mistake. Mrs. Harlow, I wish you all 



CAct2.) THE OLD MAID, 35 

happiness, ma'am — Angelic creature ! what a mis- 
fortune to lose her ! (Bows and exit^ l. h.) 

Cape. And I will follow his example — Miss Har- 
low, I wish you all happiness — Angelic creature ! 
what a misfortune to lose her ! loll, toll, loll. 

(Exit., L. h) 

31iss Har. Oh ! oh ! I can't bear to be treated 
in this manner — I'll go and hide myself from the 
world for ever — Oh ! oh ! the men are all savages, 
barbarians, monsters, and I hate the whole sex— » 
Oh ! oh ! (Cries bitterly., and exit., R. h ) 

Mr. Har. Ha ! ha ! very whimsical and ridiculous, 

Mrs. Har. I cautioned my sister sufficiently about 
this matter, but vanity got the better of her, and 
leaves her now a whimsical instance of folly and 
affectation. 



FINIS. 



JXJST PUBXiZSBBD 

By A, R Poolcy No 66, Chesnut Street. 



NEW NOVEL. 

THE HEARTS OF STEEL, an Irish Historical Tale of the 
last century, by the author of the Wilderaess, O'Halloraa, 
&C.&C. 2vols. 12mo. 

THE GENTLEMAN'S MEDICAL VADE MECUM AND 
TRAVELLING COMPANION— Containing a concise state- 
ment of the most known and certain causes, symptoms and 
modes of curing every disorder to which he is liable, with 
directions for his conduct in case of accidents, on the road 
or at sea, in plain English. 

COJ^VERSATIOjYS OJ\r BOTAJ\rr, with 21 coloured 
e -ravings. The object of this work is to enable young 
persons to acquire a knowledge of the vegetable productions 
of their native country ; for this purpose the arrangement 
of Linnseus is briefly explained; and a native plant of each 
class (with a few exceptions) is examined, and illustrated 
by an engraving ; and a short account is added of some of 
the principal foreign species. 

VIEWS OF WEST rOIJ^T. — Just published, the 
United States Military Academy. West Point from Fort 
CUnton; West Point from the Cadet's Monument; the 
Highlands from West Point ; coloured Aquatints, from 
Drawings by Thomas Doughty. 

qUOTATIOJ^S FROM THE BRITISH POETS; 

being a pocket Dictionary of their most admired passages^ 
The whole alphabetically arranged according to the sub- 
jects. 

JUVENILE LIBRARY.—^. R. P. bas constantly for 
sale, a most extensive collection of Juvenile Books, at all 
prices— London and American editions— also, a great vari- 
ety of instructive and amusing Games, Dissected Maps, &c. 

The Enchanted Plants and Fables of Flora, Illustrated 
-vith 12 highly finished coloured engravings of Flowers, 
'•jod cuts, and engraved title, &c. elegantly bound. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



014 155 379 3 



The Proprietors in returning' their sincere thanks for 
the liberal patronage bestowed upon the «' Acting Ame- 
rican Theatre," have the pleasure to announce to the 
public, that in order to make the work as complete as 
possible, they have associated with Mr. Longacre, Mr. 
Durand, of New-York, by which arrangement they will be 
able to comply with the terms of the Prospectus, and af- 
ter the 5th Number, alternately to present an engraving 
from each Artist. 



The Acting American ThecUre already published 

xvith Portraits : 
No. 1. Wild Oats, - - Mr. Francis. 

^* ^^Notog^^^^^^ • }Miss'Kelly. 

3. Superstition,- - - -Mrs. Duff. 

4. Old Maid, - - Mrs. Francis. 

As an impression has gone abroad, that the Plays 
printed in this Work, are so mutilated, as to destroy the 
Author's naeaning, the Proprietors take this opportunity 
of assuring" the Public, that all the old plays will be 
printed from books marked as Garrick and Kemble had 
them represented, the new ones, as th'ey are represented 
at Drury Lane and Covent Garden. 







The following Portraits in the hands of Mr. 
Neagle, are in forwardness expressly for this 
Work. 

Mr. DUFF. Mr. WOOD. Mrs. DARLEY. 
Mr. LEE, (of N. Y.) Mr. JEFFERSON. 
Mr. WARREN. Mrs. BURKE. Mrs. 
BARNES. Mr. BARNES. Mr. FOOTE. 
Mr. COWELL. and Mr. KEAN. 



